In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar

 

Leonard (Len) Cool

 

Bandsman, RCN(R)

 

Died: 12 Mar 2024

 

COOL, Leonard (Len) - The family of Leonard (Len) Cool is deeply saddened to announce his passing at the age of 93 years of age on March 12, 2024.

 

Len was predeceased by his beloved wife, Isabelle, in 2021. He is survived by his only daughter Susan (Sue) Daniel who will always and forever be “Daddy’s Little Girl”. Len also shared a close bond with his son-in-law Chris and with the rest of the Daniel family. Len’s two grandsons, Christian and Stefan, brought so much joy and happiness into his life. He was extremely proud of their accomplishments and what “fine young men” they became.

 

Len also leaves behind his “baby brother “ David Cool, his brother-in-law Keith Parnell and his much loved nieces and nephews. He will be missed by his dear godson Roger Williams.

 

Until 4 weeks prior to his passing, Len was living independently in his home of 67 years in the community of Banff Trail. He still tended to his beautiful garden with a little help from Sue and Chris and had a valid driver’s license. He will be missed by his wonderful group of neighbours who affectionately referred to him as the Mayor of the block.

 

Len had many talents throughout his lifetime. He began playing the clarinet at age 10 (like his father) and began his long music career at the age of 14 in the Naval Reserve Band. During the Big Band era in Calgary he played Alto Sax in various bands and had the best two year gig at Penleys dance hall which was the “in” place at that time.

 

Len joined the Calgary Concert Band in 1963 and played clarinet with them for 45 years. He was on the executive of the Calgary Musicians Association for 20 years- eleven of those as President of the Association. Len was privileged to play everything from Symphony to Circus with some of the best and most interesting people in the industry.

 

Len worked at his “real job” in the oil and gas industry for 37 years first as a draftsman and then in a variety of administrative and managerial positions. He retired in 1988 and along with Isabelle, they travelled the world. Retirement also meant more time for golf. Len had taken up golf at the former Regal golf course at the age of 14 and continued to play into his 90th year at the Elks Golf Club (The Winston). Even after retiring his clubs, he continued to meet with “The Boys” for weekly breakfasts at the club or for an après golf beverage.

 

Len’s family would like to give thanks to the wonderful doctors and nurses that cared so lovingly for Dad during his last four weeks. Thank you to Pauline and the staff of Cochrane Home Care as well as the nurses from Nurse Next Door who allowed us to take care of Dad in our home. His final 5 days were spent at the Dulcina Hospice where he was able to leave this world in comfort and peace.

 

A celebration of life will be held for both Len and Isabelle when Sue and Chris’s acreage is in bloom to show off Len’s beautiful garden design. (Cochrane County Funeral Home)

 


 

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